Ecclestone: Silverstone must meet demands

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has warned that the British Grand Prix will be dropped from the calendar in 2010 unless Silverstone's owners agree to his financial demands

Jonathan Noble May 22, 2008, 8:44 AM

With talks ongoing between Ecclestone and the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), a deal has been put on the table that will cost Silverstone £11.2 million for 2010, rising at a rate of five percent each year after that.

That proposal was sent back to Ecclestone with queries, prompting a stalemate scenario that leaves the future of the British GP in doubt - even though Silverstone are ready to make the improvements to the circuit that have been demanded.

Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Ecclestone said he was not optimistic of a settlement being reached.

"I suppose they could come back to me. They could get the building done in six months. But I would not put any money on it," he explained.

"The BRDC know the terms. If they meet them, then we are in business. But at the moment they can't and therefore there is no race in 2010."

Read more about the future of Silverstone in autosport.com's The Weekly Grapevine.